National Headache Foundation

05/29/2026

What happens when your nervous system stays on alert, even when you're safe?

In this clip, headache specialist Duren Michael Ready, MD, explains how hypervigilance can affect the brain and why feelings of safety are about more than our surroundings. He discusses the importance of "safety signals" and why self-compassion can be an important part of healing.

Migraine is a complex neurological disease, and no two experiences are exactly alike. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to migraine, while others may develop headache disorders following factors such as head injury, illness, or other neurological changes. For some individuals, trauma, PTSD, stress, and hypervigilance may also influence how the nervous system processes pain and migraine attacks.

This clip is one part of a larger conversation about PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), and migraine in the veteran community. The experiences discussed may resonate with some individuals while others may have different experiences.

To hear the full discussion and explore these topics in greater depth, we encourage you to watch the complete episode "Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Chronic Pain, and Migraine in Veterans". You can find the full episode on Facebook, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

05/28/2026

Please note that this episode contains discussions of PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma. Some listeners may find this content sensitive or triggering. We encourage you to listen at your own pace and prioritize your wellbeing.

How can trauma affect migraine and chronic pain?

In this episode of Taking Charge of Headache™, Melissa Farmer-Hill, Katy Oakley, and headache specialist Duren Michael Ready, MD, discuss the connection between military sexual trauma, PTSD, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, and migraine in veterans.

This conversation explores how trauma can affect the nervous system, why stress responses may show up as physical pain, and the importance of trauma-informed care and healing.

Taking Charge of Headache™ is part of Operation Brainstorm™, an initiative from the National Headache Foundation created in collaboration with Shero Coffee Club to support veterans living with headache and migraine through education, resources, and community.

05/26/2026

EDIT: Migraine is a complex neurological disease, and no two experiences are exactly alike. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to migraine, while others may develop headache disorders following factors such as head injury, illness, or other neurological changes. For some individuals, trauma, PTSD, stress, and hypervigilance may also influence how the nervous system processes pain and migraine attacks. This clip is one part of a larger conversation about PTSD, military sexual trauma (MST), and migraine in the veteran community.

The experiences discussed may resonate with some individuals while others may have different experiences. To hear the full discussion and explore these topics in greater depth, we encourage you to watch the complete episode.

How can trauma and stress affect migraine attacks?

In this clip from our podcast Taking Charge of Headache™, Dr. Duren Michael Ready explains how a hypervigilant nervous system may respond to emotional distress with physical pain and why PTSD and migraine are often deeply connected.

Watch the full conversation tomorrow 05/27.

Taking Charge of Headache™ is a podcast from Operation Brainstorm™, an initiative of the National Headache Foundation created in collaboration with Shero Coffee Club to support veterans living with headache and migraine through education, resources, and community.

Learn more at OperationBrainstorm.org.

05/24/2026

A deer suddenly crossed the road on a quiet evening in Massachusetts while James drove. He had no idea that moment would change the course of his life. The impact caused severe whiplash, though he never struck his head. In the months that followed, James began to experience sharp, unrelenting pain behind his left eye.

🔗 Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4fuTRJp

05/23/2026

Join Team National Headache Foundation at Miles for Migraine Chicago!

We’re excited to participate in this year’s Miles for Migraine event in Chicago and would love for you to walk, run, or relax with Team National Headache Foundation.

The annual 2-mile Walk, 5K Run and Relax Illinois event is on Saturday June 6th at Diversey Park in Chicago at 9:30am.

When you register and join our team, you’ll receive a free Team NHF shirt to wear at the event.

Use the registration link below to join our team:
https://bit.ly/42E8Rx5

Follow the link provided to be automatically added to Team National Headache Foundation, but please double check during registration to make sure you are added to team National Headache Foundation. You will need to be officially listed on our team roster in order to receive your shirt.

We can’t wait to see our community come together in Chicago!

Miles for Migraine - Illinois 2026 2601 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL - Miles for Migraine will host its 11th annual 2-mile Walk,… - June 6, 2026

05/22/2026

The PACT Act helps address the impact of toxic exposures during military service and may make it easier for veterans to access health care, screenings, and disability support. For women veterans living with headache disorders or migraine disease, understanding these benefits could be an important step toward getting care sooner.

Operation Brainstorm™ was created to help veterans and the military community navigate headache and migraine care with trusted education, resources, treatment guidance, and stories from women who understand what this journey can look like.

On our Women’s Resource Page, you can learn more about:
• Understanding symptoms and triggers
• Tracking and documenting attacks
• Preparing for provider appointments
• VA and TRICARE care options
• Advocacy and support resources for women veterans

Visit the Women’s Page to explore resources and learn more: https://bit.ly/4jOCoKO

05/21/2026

Without clinical trials, many of today’s migraine treatments would not exist. In this clip from the latest episode of HeadWise™, Tim Smith, MD explains how migraine research has transformed care over the last several decades and why clinical trial participation matters.

You can find previous episodes of HeadWise™ on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

05/21/2026

Today is the day to take action for timely access to migraine treatment.

Step therapy, also known as “fail first” policies, can delay access to FDA-approved medications that people living with migraine and their healthcare providers have determined are medically appropriate.

Join the National Headache Foundation today by contacting your members of Congress and asking them to co-sponsor the .

Visit the link to quickly contact your representatives and make your voice heard.

Link: https://bit.ly/3RlbilQ

Together, we can help improve access to care for people living with migraine.

05/20/2026

Today is Clinical Trials Day and we have a special episode of Headwise™!

Host Lindsay Weitzel, PhD is joined by Tim Smith, MD and migraine clinical trial participant Tierra Lillard to break down how migraine clinical trials work, why they are essential for developing new treatments, and what participants can expect during the process.

The conversation explores common myths and fears about clinical trials, including safety concerns, placebo groups, and medication requirements, while also sharing a firsthand patient perspective on participating in migraine research.

05/18/2026

In this episode of NHF Insights™, host Katy Oakley speaks with three recipients of the AbbVie Migraine Career Catalyst Award about how living with migraine has shaped their careers, goals, and perspectives on work. The conversation explores workplace challenges, accommodations, entrepreneurship, mental health, and building a more sustainable future while living with migraine.

Listeners will hear honest discussions about resilience, advocacy, flexibility, and adapting career paths without giving up on personal goals.

Learn more and sign up for 2026 contest updates through the AbbVie Migraine Career Catalyst website: https://www.migrainecareercatalyst.com/

The 2026 contest opens June 1, 2026.

Supported by AbbVie. Content developed independently by the NHF.